12" Baby Doll Dress and Bloomers- Free Pattern!

Vera's baby doll was in need of a new outfit, so I made her a dress and set of bloomers. When Vera woke up from her nap, I proudly showed her baby doll's new attire to her. "Vera, look what Mommy made for your baby!" to which she replied "Noooo!"and immediately removed the new dress and tried to put the old worn-out outfit back on. That girl does not like change. Fortunately, she warmed up to the new clothes after a few days and now loves dressing and undressing her doll.

This pattern was made to fit a 12" Waterbabies Doll but will fit most 12" dolls with a few minor modifications. I won't be providing a step-by-step tutorial with this pattern, but have included a few helpful tips. To get the pattern, simply right-click on the images below and save. Print at full scale.

Dress for Silent Auction

One of Zach's pharmacy school organizations recently held a silent auction. I donated one of my dresses and am happy to say it helped raise $40 for the organization!

A is for Art

Vera's bedroom walls were looking a little bare so I made her a couple pieces of art.

Vera's silhouette at one-year-old. I completely copied this idea from my friend Bethany, who made one for her daughter. Canvas, paint, paper, and mod podge. Done. Super cute and super easy.

I also made her an alphabet painting.

I started by printing letters of different fonts and sizes onto label paper.

I used a piece of scrap plywood instead of a canvas because I wanted the wood grain to show through for some of the letters. I cut the letters out and stuck several of them to the plywood, then painted over the entire piece of plywood with pink paint. Then I stuck down several more letters and painted it with a coat of blue paint. I repeated this process with the remaining letters and paint colors. Once the paint was dry, I peeled off all the letters to expose the paint beneath. The paint bled a little bit around the edges of the letters, but I was ok with that since I was going for a slightly distressed look. I lightly sanded it to further distress some areas.

Christmas Dress

For the past few months I've had an image in my head for a special holiday dress for Vera. I wanted a gold triangle print for the bodice, peter pan collar, and exposed gold zipper in the back.

I used Butterick's B5912 toddler dress pattern  (view B with the peter pan collar and puff sleeves). The pattern was fairly easy to follow but I had a lot of trouble with the collar. I've sewn peter pan collars before without any problems, but had to rip out the seams twice on the collar of this dress! I didn't love the size and shape of the collar either, so I made a few adjustments. I would probably draft my own collar next time. On the positive side, the sizing was accurate.

I wasn't able to find a metallic triangle print so I decided to make my own. I used DecoArt SoSoft Metallic Fabric Paint in Glorious Gold and made a stencil out of freezer paper. The nice thing about freezer paper is that one side is coated in wax, so you can iron it on to fabric and it will temporarily stick. It's perfect for stencils and cutting out shapes for appliques.

I used premium bleached muslin for the bodice and a cotton/polyester blend broadcloth for the skirt. The skirt looks somewhat gold in the pictures, but it's actually a warm green color...I believe it's called "Avocado".

And I couldn't resist making a coordinating hair clip. It's mistletoe!

Christening Gown

A friend (of a friend) had a baby girl a couple of months ago and asked if I could turn her wedding dress into a christening gown for her daughter. I thought it was such a sweet idea and was glad to help.

I used Burda Kids pattern 9649 . It's a very good pattern with easy to follow instructions and clear illustrations. However, the sizing does run a bit large.

I made a few modifications- a peter pan collar instead of a ruffle and extending the skirt lining to full length. I was able to make the gown entirely out of fabric from her wedding dress. The only thing not original to her wedding dress is the snaps.

I also made a matching bonnet (included in the same pattern).

They plan to use this gown for all of their children so I embroidered her daughter's name on the hem of the skirt lining, that way they can add each child's name as they wear it.

Graphic Design Projects

In addition to the album cover I designed earlier this year, I've had the opportunity to work on a few other graphic design projects.

Logo for New Beginnings Bible Church

If you're looking for a church in the Houston area with bible-based teaching, I encourage you to check out New Beginnings.

Logo, Trade Show Banner and Brochure for the Gulf Coast Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Which they made into this nifty lapel pin...

And of course stickers, business cards and other items for Minnie Millery

Hello Aunt Edna

The fresh fabric combination of this romper has a retro vibe, just like your great Aunt Edna! Made from 100% cotton, the Aunt Edna Bubble Romper features a ruffled waistline and ruffled leg openings, three-button closure at back and hidden four snap closure at bottom. The bodice is fully lined and all seams are professionally finished to prevent fraying. Also available as a dress!